Sneak Peak: Atlantis Production's Hairspray

Nov. 4, 2008 by Female Network's Shar Bareng


After the successful remake of Hairspray starring John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer last year, theater fans will surely rejoice when Atlantis Productions brings the hit Broadway musical closer to home with its staging at the Cultural Center of the Philippines beginning November 14. We at FemaleNetwork are excited to share a sneak peek at the local production.

Madel Ching and Michael de Mesa

Heading the cast is film, television, and stage actor Michael de Mesa, who will play a woman on stage for the first time as Edna Turnblad - made famous in the original film by Divine, on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein, and in the recent film by John Travolta. (Read our exclusive interview with Michael here). Multi-awarded singer Dulce plays Motor Mouth Maybelle, a role that Queen Latifah made famous in last year’s remake.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle and Christine Allado as Amber Von Tussle

Musical theater sensation and West Side Story director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo returns to the spotlight as villainous Velma Von Tussle, played in the remake by Michelle Pfeiffer, while theater actor and director Leo Rialp plays Wilbur Turnblad, Edna’s devoted husband. Also part of the powerhouse cast are singer/songwriter Nyoy Volante, who returns to his theater roots, and comedian Gabe Mercado, who will play numerous roles in the musical.

Monica Reynoso as Penny Pingleton

Of course, we look forward to witnessing the professional stage debut of Madel Ching, a junior at the Ateneo de Manila who landed the highly-coveted role of Tracy Turnblad, the “big girl with big dreams.”

Monica Reynoso, Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad

“I feel like the modern-day Filipina version of Tracy,” Madel said. “It’s a little scary to take on a role this big, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing a character with this much spirit and energy!”

Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin, Madel Ching, Monica Reynoso, Nyoy Volante

Likewise, ABS-CBN talent Tim Espinosa marks his stage debut with Hairspray, where he takes on the role of heartthrob Link Larkin (played by Zac Efron in the remake).

Monica Reynoso and Nyoy Volante

Directed by Bobby Garcia, choreographed by Cecile Martinez, and conducted by musical director Archie Castillo, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy, a “pleasantly plump” girl who wins a spot on a local TV dance program and becomes a celebrity overnight. Yet contrary to the recent film, the Hairspray musical is more political, as it tackles issues such as racism more closely. The two-hour show also includes songs from the musical that were not used in the film.

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Hairspray Manila will be staged at the Star Theater, CCP Complex
on November 15, 2008 (Saturday) at 8:00 p.m.

For ticket inquiries/reservations please contact:
Stef Sioson
Fritzie Sioson-Villacorta

For more information, please visit:
http://hairspraymanila.blogspot.com

The Nov 15, 2008, 8pm staging of Hairspray is brought to you by:

Also brought to you by:

The Star Studded Hairspray Cast

Source: Atlantis Productions' "Hairspray's Star Studded Cast" (http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com)

Atlantis Productions has gathered a star-studded cast for it's highly anticipated staging of the hit Tony Award winning musical HAIRSPRAY. Leading the cast are:

	Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad
	Like most Tracy Turnbalds before her, Madel will be making her professional debut in Hairspray. She is a Junior at Ateneo de Manila majoring in AB Political Science. Having performed in school productions including High School Musical, Madel is thrilled to take on her first major role. She says, "Girls like me don't get opportunities like this! Honestly, I feel like I'm the modern-day Filipina version of Tracy. A big girl with big dreams It's a little scary to take on a role this big, but I'm really looking forward to taking on the challenge of playing a character with this much spirit and energy."
	Michael De Mesa as Edna Turnblad
	For the first time in his illustrious career, Michael, an award winning film/television/stage actor, will be playing a woman on stage as he takes on the role of Edna Turnblad, made famous in the original film by Divine, on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein and in the recent movie musical by John Travolta. Michael has been seen in numerous Atlantis show's such as RENT, PROOF, TICK,TICKÂ…BOOM!, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and, most recently, in DOGEATERS.
	Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle
	Multi-awarded singer Dulce plays Motor Mouth Maybelle, a role that Queen Latifah made famous in the movie musical version of HAIRSPRAY. She gets to sing the second act power ballad I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEN. Dulce was last seen on stage in the musical HIMALA, and marks her 30th year in showbiz with her performance in HAIRSPRAY.
	Leo Rialp as Wilbur Turnblad
	Actor/Director Leo Rialp plays Wilbur Turnblad, Edna's loving and devoted husband. Leo continues to juggle directing with performing and last appeared with Atlantis in DOGEATERS and most recently appeared on stage in THE GOLDEN CHILD.
	Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von-Tussle
	Musical Theatre sensation and now stage director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo returns to performing as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, played in the film by Michelle Pfeiffer. Menchu has appeared in many shows for Atlantis including PROOF and BABY and recently directed WEST SIDE STORY for STAGES. She continues to be one of the country's most sought after musical theatre actresses.
	Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs
	Singer/Songwriter Nyoy Volante returns to his theatre roots in HAIRSPRAY where he plays Seaweed J. Stubbs. Nyoy recently released his fifth album entitled HEARTSTRINGS with the hit single BECAUSE. He last appeared on stage alternating with Jett Pangan as James Thunder Early in Atlantis' DREAMGIRLS.
	Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin
	An ABS-CBN talent, singer, dancer and actor will also be making his professional stage debut. Tim says, "I am thrilled about everything. Hairspray entails singing, acting and dancing. I can't wait to do all three at the same time! I'm sure it will be fun from start to finish."

HAIRSPRAY ALL SET TO OPEN

From the Atlantis Production Website (http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/)


Atlantis Productions' highly anticipated production of the Tony Award winning musical HAIRSPRAY is all set to open on November 14 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex.

Heading the cast is newcomer Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad. An Ateneo student, Madel was one out of over 300 people who auditioned for a part in the musical.

Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad and Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin

Joining her are Michael de Mesa as Edna, Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle, Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Monica Reynoso as Penny, Noel Rayos as Corny Collins, Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure, Gabe Mercado as the Male Authority Figure and also making their professional theatre debut, Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin and Christine Allado as Amber Von Tussle. Joining them in the ensemble are Jordan Aguilar, Emy Alcid, Caisa Borromeo, Mayen Cad, Erika Cedilla, Red Concepcion, Gerlin Francisco, Bea Garcia, Crienna House, Yanah Laurel, Cheeno Macaraig, Michael Odoemene, Anthony Ong, Mark Tayag, and Lee Villoria.

Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle

HAIRSPRAY is directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecille Martinez, Musical Direction by Archie Castillo, Production Design by Gino Gonzales, Lighting Design by Shoko Matsumoto and Specialty wigs by The Broadway Wig Co.

Monica Reynoso as Penny Pingleton and Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs

Based on the original John Waters film, HAIRSPRAY is the winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical and was also made into a hit movie musical starring John Travolta.



Hairspray Manila will be staged at the Star Theater, CCP Complex
on November 15, 2008 (Saturday) at 8:00 p.m.

For ticket inquiries/reservations please contact:
Stef Sioson
Fritzie Sioson-Villacorta

For more information, please visit:
http://hairspraymanila.blogspot.com/



The Nov 15, 2008, 8pm staging of Hairspray is brought to you by:

Also brought to you by: